Sewer Access Monitoring System?

Newguy101

Hi,

My wife and I are currently going through the process of purchasing an end of terrace property. The current issue we have is that the sewer drains run under an extension before diverting under the house into the main road. The only access to the drains have been built over but access is possible by taking up the floor tiles inside the house extension.

N.b. diverting the drains or sewer is not an option as there is no room to do so. No building of an alternate access is possible.

The question I have for you that hopefully there is an answer too;
(i) is there anything we could install to the access so that we can be alerted to it blocking and overflowing into the house before it is to late? I.e. An early warning system so that we can get in the drain experts to clear the blockage.

Could you direct me to specific systems here in the UK rather than direct me to a drains expert for advice? I have sent off some emails to the experts but probably won't hear back until after Christmas from them. Would like to look into any possible systems myself in the meantime if they exist.

Thanks in advance and Kind Regards

RDG

Does this "sewer" just serve your house, ie its for the foul down pipe at the back and then runs across to the front? Or does it have a connection from other houses?

If the latter then it maybe adopted by the local water authority and so it is their sewer.

If the former then a simple float alarm in the chamber would do the trick, but its effectiveness will depend upon what type of "sewer" is running below the house, foul , surface or combined.

Foul and you will have plenty of warning as the level increase should be slow.

Surface and combined and depending upon the storm it may only give you a few minutes (or less) warning before things start getting interesting.

No idea about suppliers, you would probably have to google, high level alarms or float sensors and see what you get.

moromir

You are presumably aware that the water board has explicit rights to access to their drains and can make it so (i.e. compell access to your home, remove flooring, walls etc in their way) so it is very important you know what kind of drain it is and whether the water board has adopted it.